Messmate Pipefish Care Guide
Corythoichthys haematopterus is a slender reef-associated pipefish of the Indo-Pacific, listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Overview
Corythoichthys haematopterus, the Messmate Pipefish, is a slender marine, reef-associated syngnathid. FishBase records it as monogamous, with pairs remaining together within home ranges without defending an exclusive territory.
Taxonomy
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Corythoichthys
- Scientific name: Corythoichthys haematopterus
Habitat
FishBase records it across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan and south to Australia. It inhabits shallow protected areas of rubble and sand in semi-silty reef zones, recorded at depths of 0-21 m and most often at 0-3 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (KB): 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult length: up to about 19.8 cm SL (FishBase)
Diet
A carnivore. In aquaria it requires small, frequent meaty feedings and benefits strongly from established live copepod and amphipod populations, which it picks from rock and rubble surfaces.
Compatibility
A peaceful species suited to calm reef systems with other slow, gentle feeders. Fast or aggressive fish that outcompete it at feeding time should be avoided.
Breeding
Ovoviviparous, with the male carrying eggs in a brood pouch under the tail. FishBase notes monogamous pairing, with males brooding eggs from about 9.0 cm standard length.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015). FishBase notes it is of no fisheries interest but is used commercially in the aquarium trade.